A Jobless Dilemma: What's Wrong With Fort Wayne?

Lots of Jobs Are Available, But 14,600 People There Are Still Looking for Work

By

Mark Peters and

David Wessel

Updated Dec. 7, 2012 9:24 a.m. ET

FORT WAYNE, Ind.—Unemployment in this Midwest manufacturing city is 6.8%, below the national average, but far above normal historically. There are 14,600 people locally looking for work, about 60% more than six years ago.

Yet for many employers with openings, here and elsewhere, filling those jobs isn't easy and not for a lack of trying.

Most applicants for factory-floor jobs at Fort Wayne Metals don't have the skills needed...